Channel Islands Ferry Ports
Check prices & times »Ferries to the Channel Islands sail from three mainland ports — Poole and Portsmouth in England, and St Malo in France — to the island ports of St Helier on Jersey and St Peter Port on Guernsey.
Which mainland port suits you depends on where you're starting and how long you want to spend at sea. This guide covers each port, with how to get there and what to expect.
Mainland ferry ports
Poole
Quick facts
- Serves: Jersey (DFDS) and Guernsey (Brittany Ferries/Condor)
- Location: Dorset, south-coast England
- Crossing: the quicker UK option — around 3–4 hours by fast ferry
- Road: A31 and A35, linking to the M27 and beyond
Poole in Dorset is usually the quicker south-coast departure for the Channel Islands, with fast-ferry crossings to both Jersey and Guernsey. It's a compact port, straightforward to reach by road from much of southern England.
Portsmouth
Quick facts
- Serves: Jersey (DFDS) and Guernsey (Brittany Ferries/Condor)
- Location: Hampshire, south-coast England
- Crossing: longer — around 7–10 hours, often overnight
- Rail: Portsmouth Harbour station near the port
Portsmouth offers longer conventional crossings, often overnight with cabins, which some travellers prefer. It's easy to reach by road via the M27 and by rail, with the harbour station close to the ferry terminal — handy for foot passengers.
St Malo
Quick facts
- Serves: Jersey (DFDS), with connections to Guernsey
- Location: Brittany, northern France
- Crossing: the shortest — around 2 hours to Jersey
- Note: this is an EU port; EES entry rules apply
St Malo, the walled Breton port, is just 14 miles from Jersey and gives the shortest crossing of all, around two hours. It's the natural choice if you're already in France or driving down through Europe. As an EU port, French entry rules apply — bring a passport.
Island ferry ports
St Helier (Jersey)
Quick facts
- Island: Jersey
- Location: St Helier, the island capital
- Onward: harbour car park and town centre nearby
- Check-in: closes 1 hour before departure with a vehicle
Jersey's ferry terminal is in St Helier, the island capital, right by the town. Foot passengers arrive within easy reach of the centre, and there's a harbour car park. It's a walkable, central arrival point for exploring the island.
St Peter Port (Guernsey)
Quick facts
- Island: Guernsey
- Location: St Peter Port, the island capital
- Onward: boat trips to Herm, Sark and Alderney
- Character: one of the prettiest harbours in the islands
Guernsey's ferries arrive at St Peter Port, the island's harbour capital and one of the prettiest in the Channel Islands. From here you can pick up seasonal boat trips to the smaller islands of Herm, Sark and Alderney.
Which port should you choose?
A quick way to decide:
- ● Shortest crossing: St Malo to Jersey, around two hours — best if you're in France
- ● Quicker UK option: Poole, with fast ferries to both islands
- ● Longer, overnight from the UK: Portsmouth, with cabins on conventional ships
- ● Getting there: Poole and Portsmouth both link well to the south-coast road network
Frequently Asked Questions
Which ports have ferries to the Channel Islands?
Poole and Portsmouth in England, and St Malo in France, sailing to St Helier on Jersey and St Peter Port on Guernsey.
Which is the quickest port for the Channel Islands?
St Malo, at around two hours to Jersey. From the UK, Poole is usually the quicker option.
Where do Channel Islands ferries arrive?
At St Helier on Jersey and St Peter Port on Guernsey — both island capitals, close to the town centres.
Do I need a passport at St Malo?
Yes — St Malo is in France, so EU entry rules apply and you should carry a passport, unlike UK departures where photo ID is enough.
Is Poole or Portsmouth better for the Channel Islands?
Poole is quicker by sea; Portsmouth is longer but offers overnight crossings with cabins and can be easier to reach for some travellers.